John Tumino

Today we were able to check on a new friend via a 211 call as well as a referal from SPD. Kat, JD and myself packed up a goody bag for him and went on the search. We arrived on the scene approached our friend, intoduced myself to hime an explained what we were all about. Our friend was not very open to discussion, I left the goody bag and let him know he was not Invisible and that I would see him again. First contact is important and now the hard work of Building a Relationship begins. This process takes time, sometimes it happens quickly and other times it a long journey. Believe with us that this will be a speedy process and that our friend will accept the hand of help that is being extended to him. Together with your support we are Building Hope and Changing Lives.

What a Great experience we always have when working with the Girl Scouts. Troop 10494 has adopted IMFK again for 2020 and they have been hard at work though out the Summer, Fall and now Winter. First off they have been baking cookies for us through out the Seasons to drop off to our friends outdoors as a dessert to accompany the lunches we make week after week. This week they met up with us to present a flyer and a Brochure that the created to bring awarenes to our community. These items will be dropped off to locations in the area to give guidance to the general public of the do’s and dont’s when it comes to serving the Homeless. They also created PPE (Masks) for us to hand out to our friends to make sure they stay safe. Troop 10494 also surprised us with a cash donaton that is always a blessing to us at IMFK but the real Blessing for us is to see these young women coming together on behalf of those who feel Invisible. We are so encouraged by the next generation of young people, looking around our world today you can see loots of Darkness but Troop 10494 is showing that there is always a light shinning and leading away out. Thank you Troop 10494 for being True examples of what servanthood is all about!

John and Leigh Ann

Its Life and Death on the streets for those experiencing homelessness. Its with a heavy heart that we share with you the passing of our friend Darryl. We met Darryl back in 2018 when he was living outdoors in CNY. Darryl in his mid 50’s was very frail suffering from COPD and other health concerns. In collaboration with our Homeless Coalition we were able to get Darryl into housing late last year. We would still see Darryl from time to time to check up on him. We would bring him ensure, clothing, supplies and lunch as well as visits from Dr. Lehmann. Pictured here is Steve Med Student at upstate loving on Darryl this past summer. We were informed this week that Darryl was found in his apartment deceased two weeks ago. When I think of Darryl I quickly am reminded of his gentleness and appreciative heart for everything we did for him. Its a sad to know that he has passed BUT a positive thought we hold onto is that we loved him clothed him fead him and assisted him indoors. What an honor it was to have met him and to be able to serve him over the past two years. Till we meet again my friend on the other side, YOU WERE NOT INVISIBLE. 

Sous Chefs Winter is fast approaching and our friends outdoors need boots. One of the challenges of living outdoors in the winter here in CNY is keeping your feet warm and dry. One of our goals is to make sure that our friends have the proper foot care during our harsh winters. Two years ago one of our friends had to have two of his toes amputaed because of frost bite. Living outdoors in the winter is brutal and if we can bring some Dignity and Value to someone through a pair of boots so be it! Here is were we need your assistance, you can drop off a pair of boots at IMFK on Fridays between 12-2  or you can make a financial donation here on our page. No gift is to small, we appreciate you and your willing hearts.

John and Leigh Ann

Elenas Pickle Stand Its A Big Dill